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Live flood monitor

Real-time river flooding
across America.

Live USGS streamgauge readings, FEMA flood zones, NWS flood watches and warnings, and historical context — one map, refreshed throughout the day. Built for flood researchers, emergency managers, and outdoor recreationists.

Last updated October 17, 2026 · 108 sensors live
Rivers above flood
40
Watersheds elevated
83
Active flood sensors
108
USGS gauges tracked
10K+
Layers
Flow vs. normal
< 50%
~ 100%
200%
500%+
Tiles © Mapbox · Data USGS, NOAA NWS, FEMA, NRCS · Click any feature for details · Multiple layers under your click aggregate into one popup.
Today's flood briefing

What's happening right now

An AI-generated daily summary stitched from active streamgauge readings, NWS warnings, and watershed status.

October
17
2026
Flood report
# CATASTROPHIC FLOODING CRISIS SWEEPS NATION AS MULTIPLE WATERSHEDS REACH DANGEROUS LEVELS

**URGENT FLOODING ALERT:** A severe flooding emergency is unfolding across multiple regions of the United States, with streamflow levels reaching catastrophic proportions in dozens of communities. The crisis comes as a developing coastal storm threatens the East Coast with prolonged flooding and severe beach erosion from Florida to the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, while Hurricane Trudy batters Mexico's Pacific coast. Hardest-hit areas include communities along the Wichita River watershed in Texas, where water levels have exploded to an unprecedented 84,686% of normal flow, and the Buffalo-San Jacinto region near Houston, experiencing flows at 17,074% of normal—creating life-threatening conditions for residents.

**TEXAS AND GREAT PLAINS FACE UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS:** The situation in Texas is particularly dire, with communities near the Brazos River facing catastrophic flooding at 32,449% of normal streamflow (159 cubic feet per second compared to typical 0.49 cfs). The Wichita River basin, affecting communities around Wichita Falls, has become an inland sea with flows reaching 5,530 cfs—nearly 850 times normal levels. Similarly devastating conditions plague the North Wichita and South Wichita watersheds at 61,830% and 54,202% of normal respectively. The Little Wichita area shows flows at 19,108% of normal, threatening widespread property damage and potential loss of life. Emergency officials in these regions are urging immediate evacuations as levees strain under the unprecedented water volumes. The Farmers-Mud Creek watershed is experiencing flows at 79,259% of normal, while the Lower North Fork Red River near the Texas-Oklahoma border shows catastrophic levels at 28,850% of normal.

**MIDWEST, APPALACHIA, AND WEST ALSO SEVERELY IMPACTED:** The crisis extends far beyond Texas, with Iowa communities along the Des Moines River system facing severe flooding at 1,566% of normal flow, particularly threatening Des Moines and surrounding areas. The Richland watershed in Washington State shows alarming levels at 5,210% of normal, while communities along Ohio's Upper Scioto River near Columbus confront dangerous conditions at 4,731% of normal. West Virginia is experiencing multiple flood emergencies, with the Tygart Valley region at 4,164% of normal and the Buckhannon River at 4,119% of normal, threatening Grafton and Philippi. The Little Kanawha River basin affecting Parkersburg shows flows at 4,788% of normal. Meanwhile, Colorado River headwaters communities are experiencing flows at 22,385% of normal, and the Santa Ana River in Southern California registers 5,117% of normal, compounding concerns as the region simultaneously faces threats from the developing nor'easter. Authorities warn that with additional rainfall from the coastal storm system, these already critical conditions could deteriorate rapidly, urging residents in all affected areas to monitor emergency broadcasts and prepare for immediate evacuation.
Right now

Rivers currently flooding or rising

Live USGS streamgauge readings aggregated by river. Percent-of-normal compares current flow to the seasonal average.

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River Observed (cfs) Seasonal avg (cfs) vs. Normal
Neosho River 246 19 ↑ 1302% of normal
Black Warrior River 427 1,510 28% of normal
Verde River 3,750 279 ↑ 1344% of normal
Satilla River 5,850 499 ↑ 1172% of normal
Suwannee River 1,740 7,150 24% of normal
Alamosa River 477 54 ↑ 884% of normal
Middle Raccoon River 589 79 ↑ 749% of normal
Delaware River 1,790 189 ↑ 950% of normal
Santa Cruz River 51 1 ↑ 3938% of normal
Wichita River 5,530 7 ↑ 84686% of normal
Tiffin River 646 55 ↑ 1183% of normal
White River 246 39 ↑ 631% of normal
Gauley River 3,780 255 ↑ 1482% of normal
Blackwater River 655 36 ↑ 1822% of normal
Guyandotte River 1,220 79 ↑ 1537% of normal
Piedra River 1,570 90 ↑ 1744% of normal
Conecuh River 3,840 266 ↑ 1442% of normal
Republican River 845 94 ↑ 895% of normal
Cedar River 33 197 17% of normal
Colorado River 366 2 ↑ 22385% of normal
Tombigbee River 5,394 7,930 68% of normal
Animas River 5,000 739 ↑ 677% of normal
Conejos River 1,156 132 ↑ 878% of normal
Teton River 401 25 ↑ 1627% of normal
North Canadian River 7,450 245 ↑ 3046% of normal
Iowa River 4,980 743 ↑ 671% of normal
Buckhannon River 2,430 59 ↑ 4119% of normal
Alapaha River 1,170 27 ↑ 4333% of normal
Samish River 29 52 55% of normal
Mahoning River 452 43 ↑ 1046% of normal
Chariton River 833 14 ↑ 5950% of normal
Raccoon River 1,310 193 ↑ 679% of normal
Youghiogheny River 305 37 ↑ 824% of normal
Williams River 976 64 ↑ 1525% of normal
Cranberry River 768 51 ↑ 1506% of normal
Uinta River 386 33 ↑ 1171% of normal
Green River 450 629 72% of normal
Myakka River 943 274 ↑ 345% of normal
Thief River 1,130 80 ↑ 1413% of normal
Middle Fork River 1,500 28 ↑ 5455% of normal

40 rivers are running elevated right now. Create a free account to see the full list, follow your rivers, and get alerts.

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By basin

Watersheds running elevated

Aggregated by HUC8 watershed code. Useful for catchment-level flood-risk assessment.

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HUC8 code Watershed Observed (cfs) vs. Normal
h03160106 Middle Tombigbee-Lubbub 1,024 61%
h15060203 Lower Verde 3,750 ↑ 1344%
h12030108 Richland 466 ↑ 5210%
h09020304 Thief 1,130 ↑ 1413%
h17110002 Strait Of Georgia 29 55%
h17110013 Duwamish 450 72%
h03110202 Alapaha 1,170 ↑ 4333%
h10280201 Upper Chariton 833 ↑ 5950%
h03110205 Lower Suwannee 1,740 24%
h17110012 Lake Washington 23 59%
h12040104 Buffalo-San Jacinto 461 ↑ 17074%
h11130206 Wichita 5,530 ↑ 84686%
h14080102 Piedra 1,570 ↑ 1744%
h05010008 Kiskiminetas 1,010 ↑ 1010%
h11140204 Red Chute 246 ↑ 1258%
h10030203 Marias 401 ↑ 1627%
h11130201 Farmers-Mud 642 ↑ 79259%
h14060002 Ashley-Brush 215 ↑ 717%
h05010006 Middle Allegheny-Redbank 847 ↑ 1235%
h11100302 Lower North Canadian 5,250 ↑ 2612%
h11100301 Middle North Canadian 2,200 ↑ 5052%
h07100008 Lake Red Rock 209 ↑ 1646%
h10200203 Salt 722 ↑ 633%
h03100102 Myakka 943 ↑ 345%
h14060003 Duchesne 739 ↑ 882%
h14080101 Upper San Juan 1,833 ↑ 841%
h05060001 Upper Scioto 615 ↑ 4731%
h11130101 Groesbeck-Sandy 1,837 ↑ 5103%
h05120203 Eel 312 ↑ 2409%
h05070101 Upper Guyandotte 1,917 ↑ 1894%
h05030103 Mahoning 452 ↑ 1046%
h03140301 Upper Conecuh 3,840 ↑ 1442%
h03080103 Lower St. Johns 24,348 126%
h03080101 Upper St. Johns 8,430 ↑ 149%
h07080104 Flint-Henderson 486 ↑ 1045%
h03160201 Middle Tombigbee-Chickasaw 4,370 70%
h07100007 South Raccoon 589 ↑ 749%
h11120303 Lower North Fork Red 14,800 ↑ 28850%
h13010005 Conejos 1,156 ↑ 878%
h11130205 South Wichita 1,290 ↑ 54202%
h11130204 North Wichita 5,880 ↑ 61830%
h07100006 North Raccoon 1,310 ↑ 679%
h07100009 Lower Des Moines 22,000 ↑ 1566%
h02070001 South Branch Potomac 741 ↑ 1300%
h03160113 Lower Black Warrior 427 28%
h10250017 Lower Republican 845 ↑ 895%
h05020006 Youghiogheny 305 ↑ 824%
h05020004 Cheat 655 ↑ 1822%
h05020005 Lower Monongahela 303 ↑ 979%
h11130209 Little Wichita 150 ↑ 19108%
h05020003 Upper Monongahela 235 ↑ 1382%
h05020001 Tygart Valley 4,256 ↑ 4164%
h05050009 Coal 1,440 ↑ 1378%
h07080107 Skunk 217 ↑ 1009%
h07080207 Upper Iowa 816 ↑ 1067%
h15060102 White 246 ↑ 631%
h12060101 Middle Brazos-Millers 159 ↑ 32449%
h11070201 Neosho Headwaters 246 ↑ 1302%
h15050301 Upper Santa Cruz 51 ↑ 3938%
h11090202 Lower Canadian-Walnut 717 ↑ 4243%
h05050005 Gauley 5,524 ↑ 1493%
h07080105 South Skunk 701 ↑ 1111%
h05050007 Elk 1,270 ↑ 1649%
h07080205 Middle Cedar 516 ↑ 639%
h12080002 Colorado Headwaters 366 ↑ 22385%
h03180002 Middle Pearl-Strong 435 ↑ 7909%
h18070203 Santa Ana 719 ↑ 5117%
h18010204 Lost 285 ↑ 626%
h04100006 Tiffin 646 ↑ 1183%
h07120004 Des Plaines 484 ↑ 135%
h07080208 Middle Iowa 5,605 ↑ 698%
h07080209 Lower Iowa 201 ↑ 804%
h05030203 Little Kanawha 1,130 ↑ 4788%
h10270103 Delaware 1,790 ↑ 950%
h13010001 Rio Grande Headwaters 1,115 ↑ 966%
h13010002 Alamosa-Trinchera 477 ↑ 884%
h05140102 Salt 724 ↑ 1762%
h11130302 Upper Washita 634 ↑ 5261%
h05130202 Lower Cumberland-Sycamore 4,860 ↑ 607%
h14080104 Animas 5,000 ↑ 677%
h10290101 Upper Marais Des Cygnes 458 ↑ 1991%
h03070201 Satilla 5,850 ↑ 1172%
h07130001 Lower Illinois-Senachwine Lake 113 ↑ 1027%

83 watersheds are running elevated. Create a free account to see every basin.

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Background

What causes river flooding

Flooding is rarely a single-cause event — multiple factors usually compound. The most common drivers across the U.S.

🌧

Heavy rainfall

Persistent rain saturates soils and overwhelms drainage networks. Tropical systems and atmospheric rivers are the worst culprits.

⛄

Rapid snowmelt

Spring melt pulses can deliver months of accumulated water in days — especially when warm rain falls on existing snowpack.

🧊

Ice jams

Breakup ice can block channels, forcing water to back up and inundate upstream banks. Common on northern rivers in early spring.

🌊

Storm surge

Coastal hurricanes push seawater inland. Surge combined with rainfall is the deadliest flood scenario in U.S. history.

🛡

Reservoir releases

Controlled dam releases can dramatically increase downstream flow. USACE and USBR publish release schedules, but conditions change fast.

🌌

Burn scars

Wildfire-stripped slopes can't absorb rainfall — even modest storms produce dangerous flash floods on burned watersheds for years afterward.

Safety

Flood preparedness checklist

Floodwaters rise faster than most people expect. The basics that save lives.

1
Never drive through floodwaterSix inches can stall a car; two feet floats most vehicles. Turn around — don't drown.
2
Monitor levels near youTrack the gauges upstream of your location. Snoflo's push alerts can ping you the moment a threshold is crossed.
3
Have an evacuation planKnow two routes out and where higher ground sits. If officials issue an evacuation order, leave — don't wait.
4
Move valuables upDocuments, electronics, and sentimentals to upper floors. Disconnect electrical at the main breaker if water enters the structure.
5
Trust official sourcesNWS warnings and local emergency management are the authoritative source. Snoflo data is informational; always cross-check.
6
After the water recedesDon't return until officials clear the area. Floodwater carries sewage, fuel, and downed power. Document damage before cleanup.
Frequently asked

Flood map & river monitoring FAQ

What does "percent of normal" mean?

The current flow at a gauge compared to its seasonal average for this date. 100% means flow is right at the historical norm. 200%+ means twice the typical flow — a strong indicator of flood conditions on small-to-medium rivers. Every gauge-level flow report shows its live percent-of-normal.

What's the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning?

Watch: conditions are favorable for flooding within the next 12–48 hours. Warning: flooding is happening or imminent. Both come from the National Weather Service. Snoflo overlays both as toggleable layers on the map above.

How often does Snoflo's data refresh?

USGS streamgauge readings update every 15 minutes; we re-pull every hour. NWS warning polygons update as the NWS issues them — usually within 5 minutes. FEMA flood zones are static (the National Flood Hazard Layer is updated quarterly).

What is the FEMA flood zone layer?

FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) shows the 1%-annual-chance ("100-year") and 0.2%-annual-chance ("500-year") floodplains. These are based on long-term hydrologic modeling, not current conditions. Useful for property risk; not a real-time signal.

Can I get an alert when my local river floods?

Yes. Save any USGS gauge as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a threshold (e.g. "alert me at 20 ft stage"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is Snoflo a substitute for official warnings?

No. Snoflo is informational. For life-safety decisions always follow guidance from local emergency management, the NWS, and law enforcement.

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